A DRAMA group designed to develop creative skills has been formed for people of all ages with learning disabilities from Tavistock and the surrounding area. Reach Community Drama was formed in February this year by co-ordinator Karen Sharland, who is also a full time support worker in West Devon. The group meets every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm at Kingdon House in Tavistock, where members enjoy dance, drama and singing for the price of £6 a session. Reach was designed by Karen to help develop team building skills, communication and increase confidence in members. Karen, from Bere Alston, said: 'At school, drama was a real outlet for me and that's what I wanted to come from Reach — I think that people that support the group have grown in confidence since it started. 'I saw that there was a gap for a group like this in the evenings as most people work or go to college, or just find it difficult to attend morning sessions. 'Reach helps with spacial awareness and communication, and is a fun place to be that will stretch you. People can go at their own level and their own pace — everyone works together. People find the sessions great fun to attend, and we always have a chat and we laugh an awful lot together.' Reach recently appeared at a Disability Activity Day on Plymouth Hoe, organised by Roborough Rotary Club and Scoot-A-Long, which raises money to purchase special terrain wheelchairs. The day was organised to break down barriers between the general public and people with disabilities and special needs while at the same time showcasing some of the local opportunities available. The group performed material they had been rehearsing over the past few months at Reach — two pieces marking the First World War. Karen said: 'The event was out of everyone's comfort zone as it was a huge performing space but as soon as we got there they really loved it.' The next challenges for the group will be entering into the City of Plymouth Festival in November and to hold a mini show in Tavistock, towards Christmas time, to showcase to local residents what the group can do. And Karen would love more people to start attending the sessions to boost numbers and allow a larger production to be staged. 'We currently have five members and three helpers — one of whom is a professional dance teacher, who is brilliant, but it would be nice to see more people attend,' she said. 'We hold the sessions in a structured way which gives everyone focus. Each Tuesday we start by introducing ourselves and take part in warm ups. Each new term we work on a piece of drama or dance, and this term we are going to look at choral poetry. Once we have had a coffee break and some biscuits, and used that time to socialise, we then tackle a piece of poetry. 'The sessions are great fun and we would love more people to attend.' Karen hopes to one day branch out and spread the word and ethos of Reach, which is to have fun, learn new skills and make friends: 'The plan is to one day spread Reach to Cornwall, have more evening sessions and maybe be able to provide a day's workshop, with props, but we need to secure funding before that becomes a reality.' Anyone interested should call 01822 841051 or email [email protected]">[email protected]